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Public Information Officers (PIOs) are the communications coordinators or spokespersons of certain...

Public Information Officers (PIOs) are the communications coordinators or spokespersons of certain governmental organizations (i.e. city, county, school district, state government and police/fire departments). They differ from public relations departments of private organizations in that many of them typically do not engage in marketing, but solely in providing information to the public and the media as required by law and according to the standards of their profession. Many PIOs are former newscasters or reporters, bringing unique and relevant experience to the position. Public information officers can operate from an office or from the field. During crises and emergencies, PIOs are often identified by wearing helmets or vests with the letters "PIO" on them. Among the oldest and largest public information professional organizations is The California Association of Public Information Officials or CAPIO.